A comparison of transdermal patches for efficacy, side effects and quality of life for patients with back pain and arthritis. The three arms in the trial were; prescription strength lidocaine 5%, over the counter lidocaine 3.6%, menthol 1.25% and placebo.

In this comparison of; lidocaine 5%, lidocaine/menthol 1.25% and placebo for patients with back pain and arthritis, subjects had to qualify by meeting various inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects signed an informed consent and were randomized in a double blinded fashion to one of the three arms. After randomization subjects completed a baseline questionnaire regarding how pain affects their lives. Then they began therapy with their blinded product. This same questionnaire was administered after the second day of therapy and after the final day on day 10. Responses at the day two and ten endpoints were compared to baseline to access the response of each arm.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of back pain
• Diagnosis of arthritis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or expected pregnancy in the next three months
• Allergic to any lidocaine, menthol and methylparaben
• No reliable access to the internet
• Baseline average pain intensity of 1,2,9 or 10 on a scale of 0-to 10.
• Pain on the area of the body not conducive to patch therapy (eg fingers, toes etc)

Investigators plan to share the study results as a whole but no plans to share individual results.